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Erik McCoy will neutralize a surprising strength of the Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have been great at rushing the passer in the interior. Fortunately, the New Orleans Saints have Erik McCoy to help sure up inside

Published: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 9:30 PM
Erik McCoy will neutralize a surprising strength of the Falcons
Key Things to Know
  • Darrion Gray argues that Saints center Erik McCoy will be vital in neutralizing the Falcons' interior pass rush.
  • Falcons interior linemen Gervon Dexter and Brandon Dorlus have combined for an NFL-leading 27 quarterback pressures.
  • Per Pro Football Focus, McCoy ranks second among all NFL offensive linemen with a 97.3 percent pass block win rate.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Darrion Gray argues that New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy will play a vital role in slowing down the Atlanta Falcons' unexpected interior pass rush during their upcoming Monday night matchup. Atlanta's interior defensive linemen Gervon Dexter and Brandon Dorlus have combined for 27 quarterback pressures this season, the highest total for an interior defensive line duo in the NFL.

Gray notes that McCoy currently holds the second-best pass block win rate in the league at 97.3 percent according to Pro Football Focus. The writer highlights that McCoy's ability to handle Dexter and Dorlus, while assisting teammates David Edwards and Cesar Ruiz, will be critical to protecting quarterback Tyler Shough.

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